Preview: NBA’s Top Team Thunder Visit Struggling Bulls CHICAGO (Interstat) — The NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, riding high with the league’s best record, visit the struggling Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night at the United Center. The Thunder (46-15) arrive having won eight of their last 10 games, including a 127-121 victory over the Denver Nuggets last Friday. Superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 36 points and nine assists in that win, but center Chet Holmgren’s recent dominance on the glass has been a focal point. Holmgren is coming off a 15-point, 21-rebound performance against Denver and has averaged a double-double with formidable shot-blocking presence over his last 10 contests. Oklahoma City’s balanced attack and elite defense present a monumental challenge for a Bulls team (25-36) that has lost seven of its last 10. Chicago is coming off a surprising 120-97 rout of Milwaukee on Sunday, fueled by a triple-double from guard Josh Giddey. The former Thunder player tallied 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in the victory, offering a bright spot in an otherwise difficult stretch for the Bulls. Giddey’s performance will be key if Chicago hopes to compete with the Western Conference powerhouse. Forward Matas Buzelis and guard Collin Sexton, who each added 20 points against the Bucks, provide additional scoring options. The matchup pits one of the league’s most efficient teams against one of its most inconsistent. Oklahoma City boasts a top-five offense and defense, while Chicago ranks in the bottom third in both categories. The Thunder also won the season’s first meeting, a 128-92 rout in Oklahoma City on Feb. 3, where Holmgren had 16 points and 10 rebounds. For the Bulls, the game opens a tough stretch where they will play nine of their next 11 on the road. Oklahoma City begins a brief two-game trip before returning home for a critical four-game stand against other top Western Conference contenders. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.